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App-based taxi service Uber tests local waters

Published: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 1:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, August 18, 2014 at 8:04 p.m.

Uber, a new smartphone app-based taxi service, is recruiting drivers in the Sarasota-Bradenton area as a way to test the market before committing to offering rides here, officials with the company confirmed.

Advertisements on social media and the app's website show the company is gauging interest in Southwest Florida for possible expansion. The service is available in major metro areas in Florida, such as Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and recently Orlando.

"While we have no immediate plans to expand into the Sarasota-Bradenton area, I can say that we've seen an overwhelmingly positive response from both riders and drivers there," said Taylor Bennett, spokeswoman for Uber. "We often test ads and driver postings to measure the viability of uberX in markets across the country. This is to help ensure we have sufficient driver partners on the road to meet the consumer demand when we do launch a new city."

The service is simple. Unlike a regular cab, anyone can be an Uber driver. No special license or certification is needed, as long as the driver is over 21, has valid vehicle insurance and a driver's license. Uber conducts background checks and routine updates on drivers' vehicle records.

"Uber is a technology company -- not a transportation company," Bennett said. "We don't hire drivers or own any vehicles. We partner with drivers as independent contractors who use the app to connect with riders."

Money is never exchanged between driver and passenger; the rider's credit card information is saved by the app.

Customers request a car service through the app on their phone. They can monitor their driver's distance by using the app, which also gives an estimated wait time and price. Prices are reportedly cheaper than regular taxi services, too.

The company has come under fire recently from cab companies that feel threatened by the service's rapid growth. Taxi companies in various states, including Maryland and Virginia, have filed suit against the company and a rival pseudo-taxi service, Lyft, over operating without complying with state laws.

Lyft recently began offering services in the Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville.

Earlier this summer, Uber was reportedly valued at $18.2 billion, which means it is worth more than companies including Whole Foods Market and Hertz Global Holding. The company is just four years old, and has since raised $1.2 billion from investors.

It is unclear at this time when Uber would be available in Sarasota or Bradenton.

<p>Uber, a new smartphone app-based taxi service, is recruiting drivers in the Sarasota-Bradenton area as a way to test the market before committing to offering rides here, officials with the company confirmed.</p><p>Advertisements on social media and the app's website show the company is gauging interest in Southwest Florida for possible expansion. The service is available in major metro areas in Florida, such as Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and recently Orlando.</p><p>"While we have no immediate plans to expand into the Sarasota-Bradenton area, I can say that we've seen an overwhelmingly positive response from both riders and drivers there," said Taylor Bennett, spokeswoman for Uber. "We often test ads and driver postings to measure the viability of uberX in markets across the country. This is to help ensure we have sufficient driver partners on the road to meet the consumer demand when we do launch a new city."</p><p>The service is simple. Unlike a regular cab, anyone can be an Uber driver. No special license or certification is needed, as long as the driver is over 21, has valid vehicle insurance and a driver's license. Uber conducts background checks and routine updates on drivers' vehicle records.</p><p>"Uber is a technology company -- not a transportation company," Bennett said. "We don't hire drivers or own any vehicles. We partner with drivers as independent contractors who use the app to connect with riders."</p><p>Money is never exchanged between driver and passenger; the rider's credit card information is saved by the app.</p><p>Customers request a car service through the app on their phone. They can monitor their driver's distance by using the app, which also gives an estimated wait time and price. Prices are reportedly cheaper than regular taxi services, too.</p><p>The company has come under fire recently from cab companies that feel threatened by the service's rapid growth. Taxi companies in various states, including Maryland and Virginia, have filed suit against the company and a rival pseudo-taxi service, Lyft, over operating without complying with state laws.</p><p>Lyft recently began offering services in the Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Jacksonville.</p><p>Earlier this summer, Uber was reportedly valued at $18.2 billion, which means it is worth more than companies including Whole Foods Market and Hertz Global Holding. The company is just four years old, and has since raised $1.2 billion from investors.</p><p>It is unclear at this time when Uber would be available in Sarasota or Bradenton.</p>